China aims to establish a sustainable mechanism to promote the commercialization and application of patents, leveraging intellectual property as a "catalyst" for innovation and an "accelerator" for economic growth, officials said on Monday.

Hu Wenhui, deputy commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, said at a news conference that the administration will refine policies to enhance the quality of patent commercialization, unlock benefits, and foster the development of an innovation-driven economy.

By the end of 2025, commercialization rates for invention patents from universities and research institutions reached 10.1 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively, marking significant improvements, he said.

Hu acknowledged that the lengthy process, uncertainty and high risks associated with patent commercialization previously discouraged researchers from commercializing their work.

"To address this issue, the administration implemented measures such as pre-application patent evaluations, research guidance, and talent development for patent commercialization, gradually improving both efficiency and outcomes," he said.

Hu noted that since November, the administration — in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and the State Administration for Market Regulation — has cracked down on illegal patent agents to strengthen protection and promote commercialization of patents.

Authorities have handled more than 170 cases, resulting in the suspension or revocation of licenses for 61 patent and trademark agencies and 22 agents. They have also removed over 100,000 pieces of illegal information and advertisements related to patent agency activities online and shut down over 2,200 user accounts.

Zhou Dawang, an official at the Ministry of Education, said that pre-application patent evaluations help ensure quality from the outset, align patents with market demand and facilitate high-quality commercialization.

Wei Wei, an official at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said that IP rights not only protect innovation, but also drive development. He said the ministry, in collaboration with the IP administration, has introduced policies to promote patent commercialization among small and medium-sized enterprises and advance IP development in key industries, including a fast-track review process for patent applications in crucial manufacturing sectors.

"If patents remain confined to laboratories, it is like building castles in the air. These technologies need to enter production lines and become accessible, tangible products," Wei said.

Han Aipeng, an official at the IP administration, emphasized the importance of establishing a stable, long-term mechanism to promote patent commercialization and utilization, paving the way for realizing patent value with Chinese characteristics.